The snowbird, a 12 foot sailboat, was developed 90 years ago when a local yachtsman sought a small boat for this sons to learn sailing. Snowbird (here today) was built in 1926 and is the first snowbird ever built. It is here compliments of its owner, ExploreOcean. When plans for the design of the snowbird were made popular by G.V. Johnson nearly a century ago, the flight of the snowbirds took off. In 1936 the most popular small boat regatta at local yacht clubs was the “Flight of the Snowbirds.” At its height in 1950, close to 200 boats competed in the Flight. World-class sailors and America’s Cup skippers had their beginnings on a snowbird, the most famous of these skippers, perhaps, is Bill Ficker.
Owner: Ken Lugo
Hi,
I raced in the last Flight of the Snowbirds. Turn out was so low that they allowed Laziers in to make it more like the spectacle of past. Problem is that I’m having trouble remembering the year. I think either 1968 or 1969.
Sailing and racing that boat (and don’t ask me if I remember the number) in Newport bay was the highlight of my youth. My thanks to Chris Colby to teaching me the love of the sport.
This is a wonderful little boat. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of information about them here on the East Coast (around Chesapeake Bay). We own Snowbird #344 (1952?), and would appreciate information on the original owner(s). If I’m not mistaken, you can see #344 rounding a buoy in the 1954 “Flight”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU9XZmT2Ofc&feature=share
Where can I get construction plans for or buy a Snowbird?
e- I have a fiberglass-era Schock built snowbird on Balboa Island & willbe moving it along. trying to figure out a value- any ideas? Needs rudder hardware (gudgeon pins and tiller yoke)- best wishes for us all!
Ah sailing! I sailed in the Snowbird race in 1941 winning the trophy for the youngest skipper to start the race. (I didn’t finish.) My parents operated a seamanship camp from 1936 to 1941, movies from which can be seen on our website below. They called the camp Sail Ho! Balboa and rented a mansion on the Peninsula referred to as Twin Palms. I see that mansion, with an interesting history, has recently been removed with two homes taking its place.